du quoin spotlight

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1.800.827.7020 pepsimidamerica.com BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN D u Quoin and the Du Quoin State Fair are almost synonymous, and why not? Every year, the 10-day event brings more than 325,000 people to the Perry County community, not to mention millions and millions of dollars. Plus, it continues to grow in scope and influence. “Almost every aspect of the fair is better and nicer now than it ever has been,” Fred Huff says. Huff is a former fair manager and serves as a sort of unofficial historian for the fair and is president of the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce. “Back in the ‘70s, we had great events, but the fair — as great as we thought it was then — was nothing compared to what it is now.” He remembers when visitors used to be able to park inside the gates. “Now there are exhibits and concessionaires there,” he says. The 2012 fair, which celebrates the event’s 90th anniversary, builds on the tradition of great family entertainment. “We have people who come every year,” says Assistant Fair Manager Norm Hill. “I hear them share the stories of coming here and of their own history with the fair. Now, they are bringing their grandchildren and great- grandchildren.” Hill says the fair is one of the best entertainment values in the nation. “It’s just $7 to park, and then there are so many free things to see and do,” he says. This year’s free offerings include a circus, a demolition derby, bull riding demonstrations, a ranch rodeo, free entertainment tents, displays in the Expo Hall and many other activities. “You can spend a whole day and not spend a penny on the grounds, if you wish,” Hill says. Even the midway is a great deal, he adds, with unlimited rides for $20 per person. Hill says even the grounds are welcoming. “There’s plenty of shade, trees and grass,” he says. “This is a laid-back event and great family entertainment,” he adds. The 2012 fair, “A Circus of Fun,” runs Aug. 24 through Sept. 3. One & the same City of Du Quoin synonymous with state fair THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO Jodi Watts of Carterville holds on to her daughter, Haven, 2, while sliding down a ride in 2011 at the Du Quoin State Fair.

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One & the same - City of Du Quoin synonymous with state fair

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Page 1: Du Quoin Spotlight

1.800.827.7020pepsimidamerica.com

BY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

Du Quoin and the Du QuoinState Fair are almostsynonymous, and why not?

Every year, the 10-day eventbrings more than 325,000 peopleto the Perry County community,not to mention millions andmillions of dollars. Plus, itcontinues to grow in scope andinfluence.

“Almost every aspect of the fairis better and nicer now than itever has been,” Fred Huff says.

Huff is a former fair managerand serves as a sort of unofficialhistorian for the fair and ispresident of the Du QuoinChamber of Commerce.

“Back in the ‘70s, we had greatevents, but the fair — as great as

we thought it was then — wasnothing compared to what it isnow.”

He remembers when visitorsused to be able to park inside thegates.

“Now there are exhibits andconcessionaires there,” he says.

The 2012 fair, which celebratesthe event’s 90th anniversary,builds on the tradition of greatfamily entertainment.

“We have people who comeevery year,” says Assistant FairManager Norm Hill. “I hear themshare the stories of coming hereand of their own history with thefair. Now, they are bringing theirgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

Hill says the fair is one of thebest entertainment values in thenation.

“It’s just $7 to park, and thenthere are so many free things tosee and do,” he says.

This year’s free offeringsinclude a circus, a demolitionderby, bull riding demonstrations,a ranch rodeo, free entertainmenttents, displays in the Expo Halland many other activities.

“You can spend a whole day andnot spend a penny on thegrounds, if you wish,” Hill says.

Even the midway is a great deal,he adds, with unlimited rides for$20 per person.

Hill says even the grounds arewelcoming.

“There’s plenty of shade, treesand grass,” he says. “This is alaid-back event and great familyentertainment,” he adds.

The 2012 fair, “A Circus of Fun,”runs Aug. 24 through Sept. 3.

One & the sameCity of Du Quoin synonymous with state fair

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOJodi Watts of Carterville holds on to her daughter, Haven, 2, while sliding down a ride in 2011 at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Page 2: Du Quoin Spotlight

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BY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

While the Du QuoinState Fair runs foronly 10 days, the

economic benefits of theannual event are long-lasting, both for the city ofDu Quoin and much ofSouthern Illinois.

“For the communitiessurrounding, it’s millionsand millions of dollars ineconomic impact, saysFair Manager JohnRednour Jr.

“It is very difficult tomeasure accurately thefinancial impact of the DuQuoin State Fair,” saysFred Huff. Huff, a formerfair manager, is thecurrent president of theDu Quoin Chamber ofCommerce. “The fair itselfhas some impact on thecity, but some people saythat all of the other eventsthat go on at the

fairgrounds during theyear have a bigger impacton area merchants thanthe fair itself.”

Huff says manybusinesses in Du Quoin dosee an increase in businessand revenue during thefair, especially restaurants,gas stations, convenientstores and area motels.

“The fair benefits notjust Du Quoin, but theentire region,” Huff

explains. “Even if peoplecome and just attend thefair, they’ll get part wayhome and buy gas or foodalong the way, it helps thewhole area.”

In fact, an analysis bythe University of Illinois adecade ago showed theannual benefit to PerryCounty alone was morethan $8 million.

Besides purchases madeduring the fair, the local

economy benefits fromother aspects of theannual event. Dozens ofpeople gain temporaryemployment in the weeksleading up to the openingto the fair as well as duringthe course of the fair’s 10-day run. Additionally,many of the vendors at thefair are local, meaningmoney spent by SouthernIllinoisans during the fairstays in Southern Illinois.

Huff says it all adds upto benefit both the regionand Du Quoin.

“The fair definitely hasan impact on the city, andsome of our businesses doa lot of business becauseof their proximity to thefairgrounds and howconvenient they are forfairgoers. Without the fairand the fairgrounds, I’mnot sure what the city ofDu Quoin would be. We’reall very grateful for the Du Quoin State Fair.”

BY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

Sure, the Du QuoinState Fair is manythings. For some, it’s

all about fun on themidway, great food andseeing things you maynot see anywhere else.For others, the fair meansgreat entertainment,exciting racing and gamesof skill. But for manycommercial exhibitors,the fair is all about doingbusiness. In fact, the DuQuoin State Fair is a greatplace for businesses toconnect with customers.

“The Du Quoin StateFair is a humungous partof our business,” saysDave Jackson, owner ofJackson Pool and Spas.“We have one of thebiggest displays outthere, complete withswimming pools andspas, and we actuallymake sales at the fair.”

He says the exposurehis business receivesfrom being involved atthe fair is tremendous.

“We’ll have peoplecome into one of ourstores throughout thenext year, all saying thatthey had seen us at thefair.”

Jackson doesn’t evencare what sort of weathergreets fairgoers.

“The heat is good forus; we sell more poolswhen it’s hot, but if itturns off cool, people areinterested in spas. Theweather plays for useither way,” he says.

Jeremy Pinkston,marketing director forBlack Diamond Harley-Davidson in Marion, saysthe fair is a greatopportunity for hisdealership, too.

“We’ve been a part of

the Du Quoin State Fairsince we’ve been inbusiness,” he says.

Pinkston says whilemoving inventory andstaff to the fairgroundsfor 10 days can be achallenge, the benefitsoutweigh anyinconveniences.

“Where else can youreach that many people injust a few days?” he says.“We have a huge display,about 40 motorcycles; itis a great opportunity forus. There are so manypeople who are there, wehave to be there, too.”

Like Jackson, Pinkstonsays the fair leads tosales.

“I can look historicallyat the two weeks inSeptember that followthe fair, and see anincrease in motorcyclesales,” he says.

He adds that the fair isalso a great platform forintroducing SouthernIllinoisans to newHarley-Davidson modelsand new products.

All of the businessbeing conducted at theDu Quoin State Fair is nosurprise to Norm Hill. Asassistant fair manager, heknows that displayingwares at the fair getsresults for businesses ofall kinds.

“It amazes me theamount of business thatis done during the fair.Everything from smallitems to $20,000 playerpianos in the Expo Hall —it all sells,” he explains. “Ihad one recreationalvehicle dealer tell me thathe sold nearly 20 units—campers and fifth wheels— at the fair. People docome to the Fair forentertainment, but theyalso can do some seriousshopping, too.”

BY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

Agriculture has alwaysplayed a major role infairs of all sorts. For

generations, producers ofeverything pumpkins tocattle have gathered atcounty and state fairs todisplay the fruits of theirlabors and to learn aboutthe latest in techniques andtechnology. The Du QuoinState Fair is no different.

“We’re very proud thatwe do a very, very good jobat sharing agriculture atthe fair,” says Assistant FairManager Norm Hill. “Ourag expo is one of the bestaround.”

The fair’s ties withfarming come verynaturally. After all, theevent is administered bythe state department ofagriculture’s division offairs and horse racing.

Many agricultureequipment manufacturersdisplay their wares insidethe fairground gates.

“If you come to the Du Quoin State Fair, youcan spend all day looking atthings from cattle handlingequipment to tractors andcombines — practicallyanything that has to dowith agriculture,” Hillexplained. “Plus, farmerscan talk with salesrepresentatives and learnmore about the equipmenton display.”

The fair also features anopportunity for visitors totaste agricultural productsat the Illinois Wine. Thisshow offers companies thechance to showcase theirIllinois food products to alarge audience of fairgoers.It is courtesy the SIUCarbondaleEntrepreneurship andBusiness Development unit

and the Illinois Departmentof Agriculture.

By definition, an Illinoisfood product is produced,processed or packaged inIllinois Wine and FoodProducts show in the ExpoHall during Labor Dayweekend.

The show features Illinoisgrown and producedproducts or products fromIllinois-based companieswhich are clients of theIllinois Small BusinessDevelopment Center at SIUCarbondale.

Each participatingcompany will offer productsamples, promotionalinformation and itemsavailable for the public topurchase. The“marketplace” will be inthe north end of the ExpoHall and it will be openfrom noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 1and from noon to 4 p.m.Sept. 2. Each featured

business will have a 10-square-foot area for itsproducts, displays andpromotional materials.

“The ISBDC is excited toonce again have this high-traffic venue to offer to our

clients to help them get theword out and showcasetheir products to thepublic. This show in thepast has generatedtremendous sales and evencontracting opportunities

for the participating foodproduct businesses,” RobynLaur Russell, director ofbusiness development andinternational trade at SIUsaid in a press release aboutthe event.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOFairgoers stand in line to ride the Ferris wheel at the 2011 Du Quoin State Fair.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOThis hefty watermelon grown by Rex Ferrero of Pinckneyville took the blue ribbon in itscategory at the 2011 Du Quoin State Fair.

Millions and MillionsEconomic impact of Du Quoin State Fair big for city, region

Connect withthe customers

Latest ag technology on display

Fair offers business owners new outlet

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOAnn Sharp (left) and Matt Sharp, 10, of St. Charles, Mo., fish atone of the tents set up near the lake in 2011 at the Du QuoinState Fair. Ann said they camp at the fairgrounds every year.

Page 3: Du Quoin Spotlight

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012 3FDU QUOIN SPOTLIGHTwww.thesouthern.com

BY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

Corn dogs. Funnelcakes. Taffy. Lemonshake-ups. Pork chop

sandwiches. Deep-friedversions of practicallyanything you everdreamed of.

Mouth-watering treatsof all kinds await visitorsat the Du Quoin State Faireach year. Throughout thegrounds, the smells offantastic fair food fill theair as concessionaires —some local and othersfrom miles away — cater tothe snacking and diningtastes of thousands. It’ssomething many of thefood vendors have beendoing for years.

Joanie Foster of Decaturis one of them. She hasbeen a fixture at the fairfor nearly 30 years withher homemade cinnamonrolls and private-recipehamburger buns.

Long enough, she says,that her customers arenow the children of othercustomers.

Despite setting up shopat dozens of eventsthroughout the Midwestevery year, she says DuQuoin is special.

“This is one of ourfavorite events, if not ourabsolute favorite,” she saysof the fair. “I feel like DuQuoin is the rocking chairof Southern hospitality.I’ve been across thecountry and can honestlysay that no place beats thehospitality of the fairgoersat the Du Quoin State Fair.”

She says Du Quoin alsoholds a special place in herheart because her weddinganniversary falls duringthe fair each year.

In fact, 10 years ago shecelebrated with herhusband by renewing theirvows at the fair.

“The fair made itspecial,” she recalls. “Wehad a white gazebo andcelebrated with ahelicopter ride over thefairgrounds.”

Foster says the 50thanniversary celebrationthis year will be more lowkey.

“I’m going to be doingwhat I love with the one Ilove,” she says, adding thatshe does have a special“apron of memories”ready for signatures fromwell-wishers who stop byher stand.

“Why do anything elseto celebrate?”

Pinckneyville’s PauletteKeene of Paulette’sConcessions says sheenjoys coming to the Du Quoin State Fair, too.

“We do about 12 fairs ayear, but we always lookforward to Du Quoin,” shesays.

“Of course, we wentthere as kids, so we alwaysenjoy going back. We getto see a lot of friends.”

Keene has been a vendorat the fair for a decade.

“It’s been an enjoyable10 years. The fair hasalways been good to workwith,” she says.

While it’s fun for thevendors, the fair also is alot of work. Foster saysconcessionaires must keepin mind the reason theyare there.

“The fair gives usthousands of people rightin front of our window;It’s up to us to keep themhappy,” she says.

BY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

It’s easy to think of allof the happenings onthe Du Quoin State

Fairgrounds that takeplace during the week,but there’s so much morethan happens on the600-plus acres duringthe rest of the year.

“There are so manyactivities at thefairgrounds that mostpeople in SouthernIllinois are not aware of, and they are thingsthat are happeningregularly such as horseshows, car shows,recreational vehiclegatherings, familyreunions and otherevents,” says Fred Huff ofthe Du Quoin Chamberof Commerce.”

Sometimes there areeven multiple uniqueevents taking place onthe grounds at the sametime. There’s almostalways somethinghappening.

“We talk about ‘eventdays’ to talk about thethings that arehappening,” explainsAssistant Fair ManagerNorm Hill. “We had over360 event days last year.There’s something goingon every singleweekend.”

Hill says a recent 10-day long horse showdrew attendees from 38states.

The American QuarterHorse Association whichorganized the event

estimated its economicimpact to the region at$1.6 million.

From motocross racesto flea markets, weddingreceptions to familyreunions, the fairgroundcalendar is pretty full.The upcoming Red PowerRoundup, the largestgathering of vintageInternational Harvestertractor and farmequipment enthusiasts,will fill a majority of thefairgrounds.

More than 1,000International Harvester,Farmall and McCormicktractors are expected tobe on exhibit.

The event is expectedto attract up to 50,000visitors.

“These will be peoplefrom all over the countrywho will be spending theday on the grounds,”Huff says. “They’ll beeating downtown and atour other restaurants.Even those who campand can cook in theirvehicles still have to buytheir food. They have agreat impact on the area.”

Hill says thefairgrounds are popularsites for events.

“We have greatfacilities, we’re centrallylocated and have so manyvenues and buildings tochoose from.

“Plus, we have anamazing staff that worksreally hard to bring inthese events and to reallytake care of people.That’s what people arelooking for.”

BY LES O’DELLFOR THE SOUTHERN

There’s a reason thetrack at the Du QuoinState Fairgrounds is

known as “The MagicMile.” For years, racing —both horse racing andautomobile racing — andDu Quoin have gone handin hand.

“The harness racing hereis really good,” sayslongtime fair historianFred Huff. “Du Quoin hasone of the fastest tracks inthe county. It can producerecords.”

For lovers of harnessracing, the fair will featurethree sessions.

“People love cominghere for harness racing,”Assistant Fair ManagerNorm Hill says. “It’s stillthe magic mile and one ofthe best — if not the best— mile-long dirt trackaround. Of course, wehave a great tradition ofharness racing at the DuQuoin State Fair.”

Huff says recentmodifications to the racingsurface should make thisyear’s racing even moreinteresting.

“The staff puts a lot ofeffort into maintaining thetrack,” he says.

“They have added sixinches of soil to the track.With new dirt on thetrack, there are twoschools of thought. Somepeople say it will make it afaster track, others saythat it will slow the horsesdown. So that in itself, willmake the racing this yearinteresting.”

Fans of auto racing alsoflock to Du Quoin for anexciting Labor Dayweekend of racing action.Sunday features the USACSilver Crown series underthe lights.

“This racing will be a100-lap event, with theopen-wheel, open-cockpitstyle cars,” says promoterBob Sargent of Macon. “Itis very reminiscent of theold days like people wouldhave seen in the Indy 500.”

Sargent says the USACcars only run on three orfour dirt tracks each year,so racing at Du Quoin issomething drivers lookforward to.

On Labor Day, the ARCAcars will take to the track.The race often features

familiar names to racingfans. In fact, last year,Kenny Schrader won theevent with NASCARchampion Tony Stewartplacing second.

“Where else can you see

NASCAR legends racelocally,” Hill adds. “Theylove coming here and lovethe support of the fans ofSouthern Illinois.”

Sargent says both racesare sure to be exciting.

“Du Quoin is perhapsthe best track around,” hesays. “The dirt track is justspecial and it brings backmany of the old traditionsand memories. Manypeople say The Magic Mile

is special because thesurface changesthroughout the event.That makes is morestrategically interestingfor the drivers and for thefans.”

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOTim Tetrick drives Suprizemeagain in the $50,000 Hayes race at the 2008 Du Quoin State Fair.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOJosh Herring of Murphysboro loads up a bun while making a barbecue sandwich in the 17thStreet Bar & Grill booth at the 2010 Du Quoin State Fair.

Racing lights up ‘Magic Mile’

Events going on allyear at fairgrounds

All sorts of tasty treats await at the fair

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOA fairgoer enjoys a corndog in 2011 at the Du Quoin fair.

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Page 4: Du Quoin Spotlight

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